On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Mexico City’s Head of Government, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, addressed questions from the press regarding the rental of Chapultepec Castle by FIFA. She confirmed that the iconic site was rented for more than 1 million pesos as part of the activities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sheinbaum clarified that the rental was made to the company organizing the World Cup and that the government’s presence was represented by the Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel Icaza, and the Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora. She herself attended briefly to deliver a welcome and farewell message.

Rejecting suggestions that the entire cabinet attend, Sheinbaum explained, “I just went in, gave the greeting, and left. On behalf of the country, to say welcome, you are arriving in the best country in the world. Here, Mexican women and men are an extraordinary people.”

This gesture highlights Mexico’s commitment to hosting a global event with pride and hospitality, while also ensuring transparency about public resources used in the process. The use of Chapultepec Castle, a cultural landmark, for World Cup activities reflects the blending of heritage and modern international events, offering a unique experience for visitors and locals alike.